Obamas extend best wishes for Kwanzaa

12/26/12 7:35 PM EST

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama extend "warm thoughts and best wishes to all those celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season."

Wednesday was the first day of Kwanzaa, a weeklong celebration of African-American culture built around seven principles: unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

"To many, Kwanzaa serves as a time of reflection -- taking lessons learned from our past and looking forward to a more promising tomorrow. It reminds us that though there is much to be thankful for we must recommit ourselves to building a country where all Americans have the opportunity to achieve their dreams," the Obamas said in a statement.

"As families across America light the Kinara today in the spirit of unity, our family extends our prayers and well wishes during this season."